Concerns emerge over Zimbabwe voters absent from rolls

Aislinn Lang

Harare: Millions of Zimbabweans turned out to vote on Wednesday, only for many to find their names had vanished from the electoral roll amid allegations that President Robert Mugabe’s regime was rigging the election.

The vote was largely devoid of the violence seen during previous contests, and the mood in the queues emerging from polling stations was buoyant.

But the hopes of many Zimbabweans that Mr Mugabe’s 33-year rule might finally end began to fade as large numbers were turned away from polling stations because their names were not on the voters’ list. Others were told that they were registered in places where they had never lived; one woman in Bulawayo was told she was listed in a town nearly 320 kilometres away.

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Among those denied the chance to vote was Josiah Mutandwa, 59, in Budiriro township in the capital, Harare.

‘‘I came to check my name was on the roll before elections because they said they might try to twist things,’’ he said. ‘‘I’m so disappointed because I wanted to vote: it’s my right.’’

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As for how many might have shared Mr Mutandwa’s experience and been turned away, Tendai Biti, the finance minister and an opponent of Mr Mugabe, said: ‘‘Thousands and thousands of people are being disenfranchised by virtue of not finding their names.’’

An Indonesian election observer said that while ‘‘glitches’’ might be expected, there was something ‘‘systematic’’ about the problem.

Key poll: Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe casts his vote in Harare. Photo: AP

This election marks the end of the coalition government formed by Mr Mugabe and the two wings of the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) in 2009. It might also cause the downfall of a president who has dominated Zimbabwe since independence in 1980.

Casting his vote in the Harare township of Highfield, where he once lived, Mr Mugabe, 89, was adamant that all was well. ‘‘I’m sure people will vote freely and fairly - there’s no question of pressure being exerted on anyone,’’ he said. ‘‘So far, so good.’’

The Electoral Commission suggested that some people might have ‘‘forgotten’’ where they were registered to vote. The rules were also relaxed so that people could vote with their registration receipts, even if their names were not on the list.

Dr Solmon Zwana, of the Zimbabwe Election Support Network which oversaw 7000 observers across the country, said they were ‘‘really concerned’’ that the numbers of people being turned away might damage the process.

He added that abnormally high numbers of people were requesting ‘‘special assistance’’ from another person when they cast their votes. ‘‘There’s a possibility that some people are voting under duress,’’ Mr Zwana said.

The problems appeared to be concentrated in the cities, notably Harare, which are strongholds of support for Morgan Tsvangirai, the leading presidential candidate against Mr Mugabe.

Meanwhile in the town of Murewa, in Mr Mugabe’s heartland in Mashonaland East province, people voted quickly and with few complaints.

Gibson Chatanetsa, a 46-year-old prison officer, said there was greater tolerance of opposing views and a calmer atmosphere than before.

‘‘I voted in a few minutes - no queue - and it was easy and there will be no trouble this time,’’ he said. ‘‘We are all relaxed.’’

Mr Tsvangirai voted in Harare with his new wife, Elizabeth, at his side. He struck an optimistic note, predicting victory regardless of any rigging.

‘‘We have come to complete the change we have always fought for,’’ he said. ‘‘It is an emotional moment for me but I am filled with a sense of calmness.’’

Results are expected to emerge over the next few days. The Electoral Commission has promised to announce the final tally by Monday.